From October 5–10, Vanessa and I attended IMEX America in Las Vegas, representing Tourism Kelowna within the Destination Canada booth. This year’s show was our busiest yet—with more appointments, more leads, and more proof that Kelowna continues to shine as a meetings and incentives destination.

Over the course of three exhibition days, we met with more than 30 clients in a series of B2B meetings, including incentive planners, association executives, and corporate event organizers from across North America and around the world. We distributed four qualified leads and two service requests directly on the show floor, with several more expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Our participation at IMEX underscores Kelowna’s growing visibility on the global stage. The city’s combination of lakeside beauty, elevated culinary and wine experiences, and accessibility makes it an ideal fit for intimate retreats, bespoke incentive programs, and national conferences alike. Buyers from both Canada and international markets are taking notice, with many already exploring Kelowna for programs through 2026 and beyond.

Outside of the trade floor, we took part in several key industry events. SITE NITE offered a dynamic opportunity to connect with incentive planners from around the world, while Canada Night—hosted once again at the beautiful Chéri Rooftop at the Paris Hotel—was a sold-out celebration of Canadian destinations, hospitality partners, and high-value clients who have business for Canada. These events provided valuable networking touchpoints, deepening relationships and sparking new interest in Kelowna as a destination.

Every year, IMEX reminds us why this show is essential to our business development efforts. It’s a high-value platform that positions Tourism Kelowna alongside Canada’s top meeting destinations, helping us attract events that drive long-term economic impact for our region.

We’re grateful for the continued partnership and support from Destination Canada, whose collaboration allows us to connect with top-tier clients and showcase all that Kelowna has to offer to the meetings and incentives market. We left Las Vegas inspired and energized—ready to turn conversations into future conferences and incentive experiences in Kelowna.

For more information about Tourism Kelowna's participation at IMEX America 2025 or its business development strategies, please contact me at nicolle@tourismkelowna.com.